Georgia’s ruling party “stands firm” on transparency bill amid “unjust criticism” from allies

Mamuka Mdinaradze, the executive secretary of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Friday pointed to “intensified external pressure from allies” over the foreign transparency bill the party resubmitted this week. 

Mdinaradze also emphasized a shift from previous rhetoric, noting that critics no longer labeled the law as “Russian,” unless referring to specific individuals. He expressed satisfaction with this development, highlighting it as progress.

He criticized the European Union for urging Georgia to refrain from enacting similar transparency laws “while member states themselves have implemented such measures”. Mdinaradze dismissed claims that adopting these laws would hinder European integration, labeling such criticisms as baseless.

“The unjust treatment of Georgia, coupled with delayed candidate status, is unacceptable. We will not succumb to external pressures aimed at manipulating our sovereignty. Georgia’s governance is determined solely by the will of its people,” Mdinaradze asserted.

Shalva Papuashvili, Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia, raised concerns over a campaign against the transparency law, accusing it of being funded by foreign entities. He urged embassies and donors to scrutinize these activities, emphasizing the dissemination of misinformation financed by foreign sources.

Rati Ionatamishvili, chairman of the human rights protection and civil integration committee of the parliament, denounced the radical opposition’s tactics, labeling them as reminiscent of Russian disinformation strategies. He warned of potential consequences for these actions, indicating that the 2024 elections could reveal their true impact.